The Industrial Design major integrates knowledge of the visual arts with applied design technology. Students are required to develop both a depth of design-specific knowledge and technical skills, as well as a breadth of knowledge in a variety of associated fields like business and engineering.

After a student completes the first year of ID coursework (including courses at the 200-level) , there is a second portfolio review, the ID Portfolio Review, which is required to advance further in the major. Students who do not advance after two attempts at the ID Portfolio Review change majors, and are able to apply previous coursework to a different SADAH major or an Art minor.

The BS in Industrial Design (ID) requires 3 academic years of sequenced JMU coursework: there are no transfer equivalents for core JMU Industrial Design major courses in this sequence. The major cannot be condensed into a shorter time period. Plan on a three-year commitment in transferring to JMU to complete the ID major.

To best prepare to begin ID major courses, complete the equivalent of JMU Foundations courses (ARTH 205, 206; ART 102, 104 & 106). Assemble a portfolio of work for consideration for 'artistic admission' by portfolio review to the JMU School of Art, Design and Art History (SADAH), which includes acceptance to your chosen major of ID. Consult transferology.com to review possible transfer courses, but realize that JMU grants little to no transfer credit for Design classes taken at other institutions that would advance degree progress within the ID major. Completing the equivalent of the JMU Foundations courses before applying and/or matriculating at JMU will be the best investment of time and energy to gaining acceptance to SADAH and the ID major, and beginning ID coursework.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
• Connect with an advisor at your community college and James Madison University within your first year via College Connect

The JMU Industrial Design program offers students many opportunities to directly experience a collaborative, applied approach to design through connections with industry and community partners, internships, study abroad programs, and professional critique. Students master state-of-the-art technology and design processes in our advanced fabrication studios, including in the JMU X-Labs.

Industrial Design majors work on collaborative studio projects that solve real world problems in our local community and beyond. We work with successful civic and industry partners, including The Department of Defense, NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Virginia Department of Forestry, NOVALabs, the City of Harrisonburg, Solar Cookers International, Rockingham County SPCA, and Shenandoah Bicycles. Our graduates have launched successful entrepreneurial ventures, including Amber and Printocracy; JMU majors are now pursing successful, full-time careers at Reebok, Visa Innovation, TerraCycle, and AgileCraft.

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: James Madison University